Locals urged to have their say on Highland High Street upgrades
Local residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on the upgrading of Dingwall and Nairn High Streets.
Open Days for the public are being organised at Nairn with The Highland Council and Nairnshire Partnership on Tuesday 4th December and at Dingwall, by The Highland Council, Dingwall Initiative and Dingwall Community Council on Saturday 8th December.
The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service is providing £250,000 towards upgrading Dingwall High Street, and £430,000 towards upgrading Nairn High Street.
The Council is undertaking consultation with local residents, High Street users and businesses to find out what people think are the key issues that need addressed on the High Streets. Questionnaires (PDF) are being sent to households and businesses in the Dingwall area and in Nairn a second phase of consultation with local residents and businesses is being undertaken to gauge opinion on draft design options.
At Nairn, the Open Day on Tuesday 4th December is from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 8:30pm in the new Nairn Community Centre, design options will be on display for comment, and Council and Partnership staff will be available to discuss any queries.
At Highland Council’s Nairn Ward Forum the following evening (Wednesday 5th) there will also be a discussion on the streetscape in the Court House. The Nairn Ward Forum is from 6.00pm to 8.00pm and is open to the public.
At Dingwall, the Open Day on Saturday 8th December is at the Royal British Legion building on Dingwall High Street from 10.30am until 3.30pm. To maximise opportunities to visit the Open Day it is being held when the Dingwall Farmers Market is on. Teas and coffee will be available and there will be displays to view, and staff on hand to deal with any queries.
Councillor Drew Hendry, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning Environment and Development Committee said: “It is vital that the local people are involved in the proposed designs for the upgrading of Nairn and Dingwall High Streets as it is they who will work and live with the improvements all year round. The final results will really make a difference to Dingwall and Nairn High Streets not only making the local areas a better place but also to helping to boost the economic growth and prosperity of the areas.”
Anyone who is interested is invited to drop in to the Open Days for as long or as short a time as they can manage. Those unable to attend can request a copy of the options and Dingwall questionnaire by calling 01463 702250, or by emailing planning@highland.gov.uk
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